What the Bloody Fuck Was That?

Harry sat, as still as he could, facing the man in front of him. He did not want to give him any more reasons to hate him – especially considering how much he meant to Draco. He refused to look him in the eye, because well… it just felt like that could push Snape over the edge.

“Do you know why you are here, Mr Potter?”

Dread ran down Harry’s spine like a cold trickle. He swallowed thickly; he didn’t want to mess this up.

“No, sorry Sir, I don’t.”

He could feel Snape’s eyes boring into his forehead.

“I’m not sure what Draco has told you, but I am not in the business of letting anyone and everyone take what they want from my storeroom.”

Harry glanced up, “I didn’t take anything. Draco said you let him have the gillyweed for me, I swear, I thought it was okay!” He didn’t mean to raise his voice, but he needed Snape to know he didn’t steal from him.

“I am not talking about the gillyweed, Mr Potter.”

Harry frowned at the Professor, “I… don’t understand then.”

Snape didn’t speak for a few long moments, just stared at Harry like he was trying to figure out a particularly difficult riddle. Harry started to fidget, just a small squeezing of his hands at first, but the longer Snape stared at him, the more he moved, his toes started tapping, then his knee started bouncing. He tried to stop but his body was not listening to his brain.

“Stop that incessant fidgeting.”

That did it, Harry’s whole body froze.

“I believe you.”

“I swear, I didn’t take anything!” Harry jumped in before he registered the words. “… oh. Thank you.”

“You are a terrible liar, Potter. I would be able to see it all over your face.”

“Thanks…” Harry couldn’t help himself – Merlin, Draco was right, he had absolutely no filter.

He heard Snape take a deep breath – no doubt to stop himself from saying whatever it was he wanted to say. “You are very fortunate that my godson has taken a liking to you, though I really don’t understand why. Otherwise, this might have been a very different conversation.”

Harry nodded quickly, he just wanted to get out of there.

“As it stands, someone is clearly brewing Polyjuice Potion… I don’t suppose you would have any idea about that, would you Potter?”

“No! Definitely not! It’s not us this time, I promise! Once was enough.”

“Very well then. If you do hear anything, I would suggest that you pass the information on immediately.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Now, get out.”

Harry didn’t need telling twice. He practically threw himself out of the chair and to the door.

As he stepped out into the hallway, he paused. “Thank you for believing me.” He said just loud enough for Snape to hear him. He saw the man nod once before he shut the door behind him.

“What the bloody fuck was that?”

Harry turned around to see Hermione looking at him like he’d lost the plot.

“Hermione! Language!” Harry said.

She rolled his eyes at him, “Did I just hear you thank Snape?”

Harry scratched at the back of his head, “Uh yeah…”

“And why would that be…”

“He thought I took something from his storeroom, but I didn’t, and he believed me which I never thought he would, but he did, and I just thought it was the right thing to do to thank him.” Harry replied in a rush.

Hermione’s eyes narrowed at him. Harry gave her a smile that seemed to say, “I know, crazy right?” and shrugged his shoulders.

“Mmm” was her only reply.

“Wait, why are you down here anyway?” Harry asked, just realising how strange it was to have run into her in the dungeon halls when they had already had potions today.

Hermione ignored him and continued down the hallway, “Well then, ready for dinner?” She asked over her shoulder. He hurried to catch up with her, he would figure it out but for right now, he was starving!